N.D. AG issues cease and desist against Jamestown retailer

BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) - North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease and desist order Thursday against the owner of a Jamestown retailer who allegedly violated state consumer fraud laws and business registration laws.

Adrian Williams, doing business as Spotlight Clothing & Accessories in Jamestown and as New Millennium Productions in Wauwatosa, Wis., allegedly sold counterfeit goods and failed to register his business name with the secretary of state.

"It is illegal to sell counterfeit goods under North Dakota law and these violations may result in both criminal and civil penalties," Stenehjem said. "If convicted, this individual faces imprisonment up to one year, or a fine of $2,000, or both, as well as civil penalties up to $5,000 per sale."

The Consumer Protection Division looked into Williams' business after receiving a complaint that he was selling counterfeit merchandise in his Jamestown retail store and distributing advertising that the merchandise was brand name merchandise. The CPD coordinated with local law enforcement to look into the alleged misrepresentations in the advertisements. It is against the law to sell goods containing a counterfeit trademark or represent that the goods are genuine.

The Jamestown police department allegedly found multiple items with counterfeit brand marks. A criminal case with the police department is pending on the matter.

Williams also failed to register his business name with the Secretary of State since going into business in November.